Beer is very nice looking. Nice tan head with some OK.retention and lacing. Aroma is a bit burnt but there is also a nice mild cocoa note. Flavor is smokey and roasty. A bit astringent. Mouthfeel is kind of light. Could use more body. Good carbonation though. Nice enjoyable beer, but does not stand out.

Off tap at the brewery this beer was an opaque black color with one finger of frothy, dark brown head. The retention of the cap was good and as it faded to a collar it left lacing in streaks. The aroma was of chocolate, coffee, roasted malt and a bit of dark fruit. The flavors were loaded with chocolate but it also had elements of coffee, molasses, figs and roasted malt behind that. The finish was appropriately bitter enough to offset the sweetness of the malt notes. Well balanced for a big beer! The mouthfeel was rich, the body full and the carbonation light/medium. As one who likes sweeter beers this one was marvelous, like the chocolate milkshake of stouts. Bravo!

I poured this big beer into my tumbler at 45 degrees. The beer was black as night and poured a tan head. The beer had a nice mocha smell to it and hints of chocolate smell also. It was a strong beer as a Russian stout should be. I would have to say I would buy this beer again, but beware, it will throw it too you.